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Ordering flowers from our site ensures that your order will reach us or the family in a timely manner, and your gesture of support will remain acknowledged in the Book of Memories for future generations. We only work with local florists so we can maintain the sense of urgency and quality of your selections. We thank you for helping to support the family during their time of need, and will fondly remember your kind gesture.

Dad was born in beautiful Doaktown, NB and grew up fishing salmon from the banks of the Miramichi river. He loved the outdoors and fished and hunted from a young age. He was an active boy and often got into mischief by doing such things as teasing his sisters and horrifying his mother by skinning a mouse with a paring knife. He once hid in the back seat of the car, popping up to surprise the wits out of his father in the middle of a journey to a different town. As you can imagine, he could be a bit of a worry to his mother.

He had a taste for adventure and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1961, beginning a career which would span 34 years and that took him to places as diverse as Bermuda, Inuvik and Alert. He retired as a Major from the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1995. He met and married the love of his life, Marie, raised a family, made many lifelong friends and created many memories during these years.

Besides family, Dad's greatest loves were being around water or in the woods and he enjoyed team sports such as baseball, darts and curling. He stayed active during his early retirement years by joining the Royal Canadian Legion in Gander and was a longtime member of Gander Masonic Lodge.

It's hard to sum up a life in a few words. Dad was a witty, kind and loving man who had high integrity and a strong sense of duty. We love him dearly and will miss him.

The daughters would like to give special thanks to the loving and professional staff of Lakeside Homes, Gander and to the wonderful friends and family who supported us over these last few years. Your kindness has been a blessing.

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We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Vernon Manning ("Charlie", "Butch") here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. You can upload cherished photographs, or share your favorite stories, and can even comment on those shared by others.

marg hancock

Anne Cleaver

Posted
Mar 01, 2019
at
05:45pm

I am so sorry to read of Charlie's passing. He was a wonderful, kind and gentle man. Although I haven't seen Charlie for several years. I fondly remember listening to his stories about his life in other parts of the world and all the interesting things that happened around the pond. Charlie will be missed by all his friends.

Bernie and Verna Lee

Posted
Mar 01, 2019
at
10:02am

Very sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. We were fortunate to serve with him in SRS several times over the years. Morale seemed to improve wherever he was, and he was well respected. Our deepest sympathy to the family, from Bernie and Verna Lee

Wayne & Rose Moore

Posted
Mar 01, 2019
at
08:50am

Charlie was one of the nicest gentleman we knew during our time in he CF. he never had a bad word to say about anyone. Charlie and Marie were two of the most friendly, fun loving couple we met. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Wayne and Rose Moore
Ottawa, ON

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